Tips & Tricks

Bacolod is known by most people due to its fun and colorful event which is the MassKara Festival. But those who have been to Bacolod knows that smiles are not the only ones that are sweet, but a variety of foods as well. Some even jokingly say that when they go home they would need to get some insulin shots! While that is a bit of an exaggeration, Bacolod sure does have a lot of sweet delicacies. Well, it is part of Negros considered as the “Sugar Capital of the Philippines” it would be kinda weird if we would not have any, right?

A filipino vacation would not be complete without bringing home a pasalubong. And since Bacolod has so much to offer, we made it easier for you by narrowing it down to the top favorites.

Napoleones

Napoleones is one of the all-time favorites of both tourists and locals. It is a layered square or rectangular puff pastry filled with custard cream and glazed with sugar on top. Biting on it makes you feel the flakiness of the pastry and the sweetness of both the filling and glaze. It was said that it originated from a French pastry in Naples, Italy called mille-fuille (thousand leaves). Anyone who has ever tried it can confirm that its creaminess and sweetness is a memorable taste of Bacolod.

Piaya

Piaya [Ube or Original] (muscovado-filled flatbread) the pastry that automatically pops into the minds of people when they hear Bacolod. It is a type of flaky unleavened bread filled with muscovado sugar and topped with sesame seeds. As years went by new flavors have emerged such as Ube and Mango, but whatever it may be, everyone still gets to enjoy its gooey, flaky goodness.

Barquillos

Barquillos are thin wafers that are rolled and baked into a crisp. It can be paired with sundaes and ice cream towers as it perfectly compliments these desserts. It is also available in mini versions called as Barquillitos that comes in four flavors such as Ube (purple yam), strawberry, and chocolate. For a different experience, you can also try it with a polvoron filling called as Barquiron!

Muscovado Sugar

photo credit: https://shoplocal.ph/product/sagay-muscovado-sugar-1kg/

Muscovado Sugar or raw brown sugar was once used only for Piaya fillings and sweetener for sticky cakes or native chocolate drinks. But its demand increased as it was known as the healthier alternative to white sugar. Muscovado is made from the juice of sugar cane by evaporating it and draining off the molasses. It sure is a one healthy pasalubong to bring back home, right?

Cakes

Yes, cakes because there are so many options! Bringing cakes back home would not be a hassle since it can be packaged to be carried on flights. Calea’s cakes are so good that you would love your family back home to have a taste of it. Another option is Felicia’s. Ask for cake varieties that are suitable for flights and withstand when your package is brought under heat.

Souvenirs

If you want to opt for non-food pasalubong items then you should visit Bacolod Showroom located in Luzuriaga, St. and Negros Showroom in Robinsons Place Bacolod Central City Walk. They have Masks (in celebration of Masskara festival) and souvenir t-shirts.

Have you been to Bacolod? What were the things you wanted to bring home?

October is here! What makes you feel excited about the month? Perhaps, for some, October is a preparation for the incoming trick or treat Halloween event. But there’s another excitement brewing in the city of Smiles — the Masskara Festival!

The Masskara festival is an event anticipated by both locals and foreign tourists. For those who are coming to Bacolod to celebrate the Masskara, here are few tips and hacks to make your experience as colorful as the streets of Lacson.

Top 1 – Train Your Temper

Is this even a hack?! To start off, as much as we want to describe the Masskara Festival with all the good adjectives, we’re not gonna be biased. Let’s face it; nothing is perfect – not even the joyous festivals. The weather can get too hot, overcrowded, and it could also rain! You’d get stepped on your foot. You will get bumped by strangers multiple times. You’d patiently fall in line and see others cut the line. And you may not get an apology.

Nevertheless, it’s part of the celebration! Either you take it or leave it, they said. Before you make a viral scene in the midst of the crowd and channel your inner hulk, breathe in and out. It pays to have a sense of “anger management.”

Top 2 – Plan Your Schedule: Which Event Is Worth Your Time?

There are a lot of fun activities held during Masskara, big and small. Unless you have a duplicate of yourself — you won’t be able to attend to each single event! Do a research of the calendar of events and plan an itinerary beforehand. Some popular and interesting events can have the same schedule, in different locations; weigh down which event interests you the most.

The opening of the festival will start on October 8, and the announced highlights will be on the 26th to 28th of the month. Here are a few lists of the expected events:

Street Dance Competition

Electric Masskara

Masskara Beauty Queen Pageant

Food Festivals

Carnivals

Sports Competitions

Mask Making Competitions

Drumming Contest

The Street Dance Competition (either school or Barangay category) is the most anticipated event among any other. Group of people residing in the different Barangays in Bacolod City will be showcasing their talents in dancing, creative costumes, and one of a kind performance. The beats of drums and Latin music during the contest will make you wanna steal a dance!

Tip: Don’t forget to bring an umbrella or wear a cap to protect yourself from the heat as the competition usually happens in the afternoon.

Top 3 – Safety First: Handy Dandy Bag Is the Key

Partying along Lacson during Masskara is fun. But first things first, safety is a priority. Troubles during any other festivals could be inevitable. To avoid losing your personal belongings while walking on the congested streets, we recommend bringing only a small body bag or a pouch so you can easily grip it. If you are waiting for someone, consider staying in a guarded or well lighted area.

Top 4 – Keep It Comfy

Wearing revealing and uncomfortable clothes in a crowded street especially at night time may not be the best choice. Other than protecting yourself from the possible hassles, there’s a more significant reason why we suggest opting for a comfy outfit – isn’t it much easier to move and run with a pair of sneakers, comfortable top, and bottoms? Yes girl, exactly!

Top 5 – Don’t Forget to Charge Your Gadgets

This is pretty much basic that some people still tend to forget (unfortunately). Ensure that you have enough battery to withstand your photo and video taking sesh especially if you plan to be out the whole day! The colorful festival is Instagram-worthy, we bet! Having a power bank would come handy. You can also use these tips to prolong your battery:

Turn off your wifi or data when not in use.

Dim the brightness of your screen or turn on the auto brightness feature.

Avoid lingering much on your phone, like doing unnecessary browsing. Leave your gadgets at rest and be in the moment!

Top 6 – Tight Budget? Know Where to Get a Meal!

Inasal, sugary treats, loads of tasty street foods; You can find all of these satisfying goodies almost anywhere in Bacolod during Masskara. While your tummy enjoys taking all those mouth-watering delis, your wallet suffers. The streets are usually filled with kiosk and food stalls, but if you want a decent dining, we recommend trying one of our Inasal restaurants.

Try Bacolod Chicken House, the price list for their chicken menu usually ranges from Php 18 – Php 75. You can eat a whole lechon manok for only Php 195. If you need some sugar to satisfy your taste buds, desserts such as leche flan and black sambo are made available for only Php 25 – Php 40.

Manokan Country, offers the same affordable chicken inasal menu. Typically, diners can order a pechopak/pecho for only Php 85, Paa (leg part) priced at Php 80, and for rice, you can choose between garlic (Php 35), fried (Php 25), or plain one (Php 20).

The two carinderia-style restaurants are the most sought-after eating place of foreigners and outsiders who are coming into the city. Bon appetit!

Top 7 – Secure Accommodation Ahead

Hotels are typically fully booked during the Masskara season so securing your accommodation bookings a month ahead might save you from being homeless in the city. Pension Bacolod, Saltimboca Tourist Inn, Midtown Hotel, Ecotel, and Business Inn are our recommendations if you want an accessible yet reasonable rates lodging.

To be in the mood of the celebration, you may want to dress up a colorful outfit. Sidewalk vendors in front of the San Sebastian Cathedral usually sell affordable fancy headbands in a different style of your choice. For first-timers, you don’t have to worry about mingling with the Bacolodnons as they are very approachable and fun people. However, you may need to take energy drinks or supplements to stay active and energize as the party usually last up to dawn.

We at NegrosFindr wishes you a smooth Masskara Festival experience. Enjoy!